Vertebral alignment system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for aligning and fixing vertebral bodies is provided. The vertebral alignment system of the current invention comprises an integrated system of alignment rods, cannulated pedicle screws, filler plugs and fixation hardware. The components are designed such that a surgeon can accurately manipulate and align vertebral bodies using the removable alignment rods attached to the cannulated pedicle screws and to enable the installation of fixation system hardware while the alignment rods are still in place. A system and method for aligning vertebral bodies using the vertebral alignment system of the invention is also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 258,963, filed Dec. 29, 2000.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for alignment and fixation of vertebral bodies.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pedicle screws allow spine surgeons to attach rods or plates to the thoracic and lumbar spine. This rigidly immobilizes the spine segments, promoting the bone graft to grow into a fusion, welding spinal segments into one solid unit, reducing pain and stabilizing deformity.[0004]Three types of deformity that spinal surgeons attempt to correct with regularity are Scoliosis, Spondylolisthesis, and Kyphosis, or flat back syndrome. Actual manipulation of the spine and correction of these thoracic and lumbar deformities is accomplished by distraction or compression of the points of attachment to the spine. Points of attachments are generally either hooks underneath the lamina...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for aligning and fixing vertebral bodies. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and method to allow a surgeon to accurately manipulate and align vertebral bodies using removable alignment rods attached to pedicle screws and to enable the installation of fixation system hardware while the alignment rods are still in place.

Problems solved by technology

While many different pedicle screws have been developed, presently the pedicle screw is not considered a navigational point of attachment to the spine, nor have the prior art systems allowed for the attachment of the fixation hardware without first removing the alignment rods or cages.

For example, Krag, U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,349, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of aligning vertebral bodies utilizing a stabilization cage, but does not provide a system for attaching the fixation hardware to the pedicle screw while the alignment cage is in place.

Likewise, Bernstein, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,322, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a cannulated pedicle screw design utilized to fix the spine, but also does not provide a system for attaching alignment rods or for attaching fixation hardware while such alignment rods are in place.

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